Hull is not the most economically successful region in the best of times. Nevertheless yesterday morning the Hull Daily Mail launched a campaign for economic optimism in the face of a recession. The first edition announced the support of the Prime Mentalist himself for the paper’s ‘Bounce Back’ campaign:

“We all have a part to play in helping our communities survive this difficult period and I am pleased to see the Mail galvanising support around local businesses with the launch of the Bounce Back campaign.

The 350,000 small businesses in the region are the lifeblood of the area’s economy.”

Inevitably the late edition of the Hull Daily Mail reported bad news for jobs and the local economy as the curse of Jonah Brown saw 349 jobs lost from a Hull food factory after Northern Foods announced plans to cease production at the plant. All are cursed who take the words of the one eyed son of the manse…

UPDATE : If only Guido had noticed this he would have put his communion money on Barcelona. The Prime Minister’s Spokesman told the Lobby yesterday afternoon that

… the Prime Minister expected and looked forward to watching the match later today when he returned to Downing Street from his visit. Asked if he had sent a message of goodwill, the PMS said that it went without saying that he would always want a British team to win any such match.

Poor the reds…

Quick reminder of Jonah Brown’s cursing of British sporting internationals:

When England were knocked out of the 2006 World Cup against Portugal – Jonah was there. When they lost 2-1 at Wembley against Germany – Jonah was there. When Scotland lost to Italy– Jonah was there. When England lost the rugby World Cup final – Jonah was there.